Animated Stories - Naming a Kitten & Babushka

Over the years, Chloë collaborated with artist and illustrator henry Fothergill to create mesmerising and beautiful re-imaginings of traditional folk tales.

Naming a Kitten: illustrated story for cat-loving philosophers

A reading of a traditional tale reimagined by Chloë, set in ancient China. The Emperor's own philosopher is brought a fantastic present by his friends, but naming the kitten proves an intellectual challenge. The friends struggle and argue as the kitten's antics amuse and delight.

Part of the Midnight Storytellers #legacyproject. "Creativity that lives on after I'm gone."

Filmed, illustrated and edited by henry Fothergill www.henryfothergill.com

The Legend of Babushka

A classic Russian folktale for Christmas. The three Wise Men visit a feisty old lady on a cold snowy night. Directed by Henry Fothergill.

Chloë wrote:

I recorded this story – in 2011! – as an experiment in voice over and animation with young film maker Henry Fothergill. His mum made the bed cover, his granny costumed the 3 Kings and Babushka! Now let me clear something up. A plain version of this story is in one of my childhood books as a "Russian folktale". If you search Babushka on the internet you get this "Russian folktale", in many forms. But now I'm being told it NEVER EXISTED IN RUSSIA. Ever. Russians don't recognise this story. All I can find [February 2021] is that the story might have been written by Edith M Thomas in America around 1907. Where did she source her idea? Is it an Eastern European folktale – or, like many traditional stories, did it travel from somewhere completely different and change its appearance along the way? I know stories that people are certain come from India, China, rural England... all the same idea, just wearing different costumes. It doesn't matter. I loved doing the super fake Russian accent. I loved giving the "old lady" her racy past. The key ideas in this version of the story stand up regardless of its setting. Relax. Be warmed and comforted by the fantasy, and have a giggle too.

Created & filmed by henry Fothergill www.henryfothergill.com